Medusa

In Greek mythology, Medusa was the head of the Gorgons, and the most 'beautiful' of the three sisters. As punishment for making love to Poseidon in the Temple of Athena, the Gorgons and Medusa were given a head of snakes, which would turn anyone who looked at them into stone.

Medusa is one of the first boss fights in God of War. Once defeated, Kratos rips off her head and is then able to use it as a weapon to turn enemies into stone. Throughout the game and it's sequels, Kratos encounters other Gorgons, albeit it smaller in stature and weaker in attack and defence than Medusa.